The broadcaster also noted that the first episode of the season has already been watched by nearly 6 million viewers - and continues to grow.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/13856135

While the future of Doctor Who is already confirmed in the short term - with the show returning for a Christmas special this year and another season next year - beyond that, things are currently less certain.

This is because the show’s fate in its current form rests with Disney Plus, who the BBC did a deal with for the new era.

Not only does Disney distribute the series internationally, it also helps to finance it, meaning that while the show could continue without the streamer, its budget may have to be slashed.

The question of the show’s future following what have been described as season 14’s “underwhelming” ratings was raised in a recent article in The Times, and now the BBC has weighed in.

A BBC spokeswoman told the publication: "Overnight ratings no longer provide an accurate picture of all those who watch drama in an on-demand world.

"This season of Doctor Who premiered on iPlayer nearly 24 hours before broadcast, and episode 1 has already been viewed by nearly 6 million viewers and continues to grow.

“Doctor Who remains one of the most-watched programmes on iPlayer and is the BBC’s top drama for under-35s this year, making it one of the biggest programmes for the demographic across all streamers and broadcasters.”

…

Hopefully these assurances will calm fans’ nerves about the show’s future. It certainly appears that Davies seems hopeful, as he has already started writing season 16.

The writer has also confirmed that “there are offices that exist” that are dedicated solely to planning potential spin-offs, although what these would be focused on is currently unclear.

  • Handles@leminal.spaceEnglish
    4·
    6 months ago

    First, I’m fairly sure both the Beeb and the Mouse Corp are watching Doctor Who ratings on a much wider timescale than the armchair analysts, worrywarts and doomsayers out there.

    I don’t know how long Disney secured distribution rights for but with their penchant for hoarding IPs they might even be in for a long game of securing international rights for the entire series back catalogue when they expire with other parties. Star Wars, the MCU — they know from experience what kind of synergy a 60 year franchise can build when it’s collected in one place.

    Second, though, we’ll have to see if Disney’ll invest in the spinoffs right away. I’d love to see that “War between the land and the sea” thing materialise, whatever it is, and it sounds like Bad Wolf have been setting it up. As for the UNIT show, if that’s even separate from the other spinoff… at least the primary set is already built?

    • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPAEnglish
      4·
      6 months ago

      First, I’m fairly sure both the Beeb and the Mouse Corp are watching Doctor Who ratings on a much wider timescale than the armchair analysts, worrywarts and doomsayers out there.

      Yes, Disney isn’t Netflix so won’t kill a show if the first episode doesn’t do big numbers.

      I don’t know how long Disney secured distribution rights for

      According to RTD it was a guaranteed 2 seasons, so they filmed them back-to-back. They haven’t commissioned season 3 yet although he has started writing the episodes, so he’s likely pretty confident they’ll get made one way or the other, although if Disney aren’t backing them the budget is going to take a hit.